John Riel ‘Quadro Alas’ Casimero Shows Grace in Defeat: “You Win Some, You Lose Some, But You Never Quit”

TOKYO, JAPAN —
Boxing has always been more than just a battle of fists — it’s a test of heart, character, and pride. And even in defeat, John Riel “Quadro Alas” Casimero proved that true warriors are measured not by the scorecards, but by the courage they show when the final bell rings.

After his hard-fought loss to Japanese contender Tomoki Kameda, the former world champion stood tall in the ring, bruised but unbroken. His words afterward carried the humility of a seasoned fighter and the spirit of his boxing idol, Manny Pacquiao.

“As Idol Manny says, it’s okay to lose as long as you fight and don’t run away,” Casimero told reporters, his tone calm but resolute. “Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose — but what matters is that you fight and never give up.”

Those words, simple but powerful, quickly resonated with fans across the Philippines and the boxing world.

The Fight That Tested His Spirit

The bout between Casimero and Kameda had been one of the most anticipated matchups of the year — a showdown between two aggressive fighters known for their charisma and knockout power.

From the opening bell, both men came out swinging. Kameda, fighting before a home crowd, used his speed and precision to outpoint Casimero early, while the Filipino countered with power shots that kept the Japanese contender cautious.

But as the rounds wore on, Kameda’s control and combinations began to tell. Despite a late rally from Casimero — who fought through swelling and fatigue — the judges scored the fight unanimously in favor of Kameda.

Still, the crowd gave both warriors a standing ovation. Casimero’s refusal to back down until the final second earned him the respect of fans and critics alike.

“I gave my all,” Casimero said after the fight. “I came to fight, not to run. That’s what real fighters do.”

Lessons From His Idol

Casimero has always been vocal about his admiration for Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao, the Filipino boxing icon who inspired generations of athletes. Much like his idol, Casimero’s career has been defined by resilience — fighting from humble beginnings, facing setbacks, and always returning stronger.

After the loss, he quoted Pacquiao’s philosophy almost word-for-word.

“As Idol Manny says, it’s okay to lose as long as you fight and don’t run away. I’ll never be ashamed of a loss if I gave my best.”

Those words struck a chord with fans back home. Many flooded social media with messages of support, praising Casimero’s sportsmanship and maturity.

“Quadro Alas may have lost the fight, but he won the hearts of Filipinos,” one fan wrote on X. “He showed what real fighting spirit looks like.”

Even Pacquiao himself, now retired from professional boxing but still a mentor to many, reportedly sent a message of encouragement, reminding Casimero that “every great champion learns more from defeat than victory.”

A Fighter’s Journey

For Casimero, this defeat is only another chapter in a storied career marked by both triumphs and trials. The 34-year-old former three-division world champion has seen it all — controversial decisions, weight issues, rivalries, and epic victories.

Born in Ormoc City, Leyte, Casimero rose from poverty to global fame, carrying the moniker “Quadro Alas” (Four Aces) to symbolize versatility and strength. Known for his explosive style and fearless demeanor, he became one of the Philippines’ most entertaining fighters, capturing world titles at light flyweight, flyweight, and bantamweight.

But even at his peak, Casimero’s path was never smooth. He has faced suspensions, public criticisms, and long layoffs. Yet through it all, he’s remained unshaken.

“You can’t call yourself a fighter if you only fight when it’s easy,” he said once. “You have to fight when things get tough — in the ring and in life.”

That mindset — of resilience and grit — is what made his reaction to the Kameda loss so admirable.

Respect Earned, Not Given

While many fighters storm out of the ring or make excuses after a defeat, Casimero chose a different route. He stayed. He bowed to the Japanese crowd. He congratulated Kameda. And then he spoke to the press, not as a loser, but as a proud competitor.

“He was the better man tonight,” Casimero admitted. “I respect him. But I’ll be back. This isn’t the end.”

That humility didn’t go unnoticed. Japanese fans, often reserved, applauded him as he exited the arena. Local sports media praised his class, calling him “a true warrior in victory or defeat.”

Even Kameda himself acknowledged Casimero’s fighting heart.

“Casimero is tough,” Kameda said. “He didn’t quit. I respect him a lot. This was a great fight.”

The Message Behind the Loss

In a sport obsessed with records and perfection, Casimero’s perspective was refreshing. He reminded everyone — fighters and fans alike — that greatness isn’t defined by an unblemished record, but by the will to rise every time you fall.

“Sometimes, people forget that boxing isn’t just about winning,” Casimero said. “It’s about showing who you are. When I fight, I fight for my family, my country, and everyone who believes in me. That’s what keeps me going.”

His message — “never run away” — became a rallying cry for young athletes across the Philippines. It echoed Pacquiao’s timeless lesson: that true champions are those who face defeat with courage and dignity.

What’s Next for Quadro Alas

Despite the setback, Casimero made it clear he’s not done yet.

“I’ll take a short rest, then go back to training,” he said. “I want to fight again soon. I still have goals. I still believe I can win another world title.”

His team confirmed that he plans to continue competing at bantamweight or super bantamweight, depending on opportunities.

Analysts agree that while his prime years may be behind him, Casimero’s experience, power, and charisma make him a dangerous contender for anyone.

“He’s still got fire in him,” said a boxing commentator on One Sports. “And with that kind of attitude — win or lose — he’ll always have fans behind him.”

The Heart of a Filipino Fighter

In the end, what stands out isn’t the loss itself, but the grace with which Casimero handled it. He turned disappointment into a message of hope, reminding everyone that even heroes stumble — but they never stop fighting.

For the fans who grew up watching Pacquiao and now cheer for Casimero, the connection was clear: the same courage, the same humility, the same love for the fight.

“As long as you fight and don’t run,” Casimero said, “you never really lose.”

It’s a truth that goes beyond boxing — one that defines the Filipino spirit.